WHY YOU ARE IMPORTANT AT EMMANUEL
The people at Emmanuel feel that you are very important, and we try very hard to make you feel welcomed. Further, we feel that assimilating new people into the church family is important and necessary to our overall spiritual health. It has been said that the United States of America is strong because it has been a "melting pot" from peoples all over the world. For this reason we, as a church, welcome all people, from all races, ethnic backgrounds and social groups. We like to feel that this is an important source of internal strength. Your family unit may consist of one or a dozen; whatever the case, your partnership in the ministry is important. Heres why...
Your family unit represents a new source for personal outreach and evangelism. You, your friends, family and neighbors are a new mission field for our church family. While we are not intrusive or pressure oriented, we still covet every opportunity to minister to people, to whom we wouldnt otherwise have contact.
Your family unit represents new ideas. We are always looking for a better way to do something, fresh ideas, and new vision. While we carefully guard our doctrinal precepts, we solicit your help in helping us do a better job in reaching todays multitudes.
Your family unit represents new talents, abilities and spiritual gifts. The Bible says that the church body is "fitly" joined together [Eph. 4:11-16]. God has given to each a ministering spiritual gift, and it is exciting to learn what each family unit has to share.
Your family unit will provide a larger flame. Each new log on the fire provides a larger flame, and greater warmth. While we try to avoid the "bigger and better" syndrome, it is still true that each life contributes warmth in a different and unique way.
Your family unit provides a new source of friendship. Christians are always looking for new friendships, and the most important and enduring friendships come from the local church. There are people at Emmanuel that need your friendship and encouragement and vice versa.
Your family unit provides a new source of encouragement. It can be said that every person that walks through the doors of our church provides encouragement to someone. Christian companionship is most fulfilling, and you are needed to provide spiritual enrichment to others.
Your family unit provides a new source of service. A local church like ours depends on a core of many workers, prayer warriors and ministers. Over the course of the year many are taken through death or migration, yet it is exciting to know that when God takes one away, he always gives another in return. Thus, each newcomer is accepted as a heavenly gift.
Your family unit represents growth. Where there is no growth, there will soon be no life. For this reason, you represent assurance of Gods blessing, and confidence that we will enjoy spiritual life far into the future.
It is very important for church family to recognize the importance of the individual, and to that end we try very hard to treat people with the dignity and respect that they deserve. It is important that all people be treated equally and fairly, as illustrated in James 2:1-5.
While there are some that always like to be in the "limelight" and wish to receive notoriety, we at Emmanuel recognize that important people are found in the shadows. The widow lady that is mostly shut-in due to infirmity, may not receive a great deal of recognition; yet, we realize that she is a valuable part of our congregation.
So even if you feel that your part is insignificant, and have little to offer, please understand that great blessings are found in the shadows. Remember also that the greatest blessings and rewards are received by those who do their work quietly as unto the Lord (Mt. 6:1-6). So, regardless of what or how you feel...YOU ARE IMPORTANT!